Is there a correct order to apply skincare products?

Is there a correct order to apply skincare products?

Holly Thomas
5 minute read

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For some having an extensive multi-step skincare routine can feel like a burden. For others an absolute treat, a moment for self-reflection and self-care. No matter which camp you sit in you’ve probably still wondered what should my skincare routine actually be? And, is there a correct order to apply skincare products? To be honest, so have we. After a lot of research, chats with cosmetic science experts and dermatologists and a whole lot of personal trial and error, our founder Tiffany has got it nailed. So, let’s get into it… 

Is there a correct order to apply your skincare products?

Before we get into our recommended routine lets discuss. Surely if the products are all wonderful and amazing it doesn’t really matter if I put my serum on last or my SPF on somewhere in the middle. Weelll… it turns out most experts agree that the order of application is incredibly important in ensuring you’re getting the maximum benefits out of the products. In a nutshell, you want to make sure that the ingredients you’re so carefully applying (any paying for) actually do penetrate the skins barrier to receive the full benefits-  which if you apply your skincare incorrectly won’t happen, meaning you might not see the desired results. 

If you put your eye cream on last, it can’t penetrate through the multiple layers of skincare you’ve already applied, therefore it barely reaches the skin, let alone penetrates enough to give any benefit. Same kind of thing for your SPF, if it’s a physical one, you want it going on last to form that protective barrier from UVA and UVB light BUT if it’s a chemical one, you want it going on first as these need to be absorbed by the skin to be effective.

 To make things simple, here’s the order you should apply your skincare products to get the maximum benefits…

 

(Your Skincare Cheat Sheet) 

 

AM & PM Routines

Morning Skincare Routine

  1. Cleanser.
    Pillows can accumulate dead skin cells, oil and body sweat, that guess what…?- can rub off onto your face. Refresh skin and remove impurities with a morning cleanse, using a clean flannel to really remove that dirt. Oh, and don’t forget to regularly change your pillowcase.
  2. Toners / Exfoliating Acids.
    Go for something nourishing and hydrating. Think of your toner as a skincare primer, making the product that follow work harder. Gradually introduce an exfoliating acid toner to help to balance PH levels, remove dead cell build up and give skin that healthy glow.

    Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic

    Peach & Glow Hydra Skin Tonic

    £24.00

    Introducing our radiance-boosting, skin brightening, thirst-quenching hydra tonic, for skin that’s fresh, glowing and as juicy as its name sake. With Peach, Lychee and Aloe to refresh and hydrate, Ginseng for antioxidant protection,  skin softening Glycerin and Tranexamic Acid to target sun… Read More

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  3. Eye Cream.
    You want to apply your eye cream now before any of your other products to ensure it properly absorbs in the targeted areas. To cope with puffiness, choose a gel over a cream. If you’re not an eye cream kinda gal work your other treatments right up to and around your eye socket and skin and skip this step.

    Youth Boost Anti-Aging Eye Serum

    Youth Boost Anti-Aging Eye Serum

    £26.00

    Take action against fine lines, puffiness, wrinkles and dark circles with NOTOX youth boost eye serum. For smooth, lifted and radiant under eyes.  The instantly smoothing Tens-up™ complex and amino-acid peptide-solution, the snap-8™ peptide helps mimic the effect of your… Read More

  4. Serum. 
    This is where you target your specific skincare concerns. Not all serums are created equal, so invest in a good quality formula, if you’re using one, and make sure you choose something that addresses your specific needs; think pigmentation, uneven skin tone or signs of premature ageing.
  5. Face Oil.
    Oils are so packed with goodness they’re beneficial for all skin types- dry, dehydrated and even oily, helping to balance your natural oil production. For those with oily skin incorporating face oils can be a little intimidating, however by adding an oil into your routine, you can help balance sebum production, actually minimising unwanted greasiness. Use alone or drop into your moisturiser. We love pressing our Dawn Elixirinto the face, neck and décolletage while breathing in deeply to get the aromatherapy benefits as well as the amazing skin benefits.

    Dawn Elixir 23 Active Oils for Radiant Skin

    Dawn Elixir 23 Active Oils for Radiant Skin

    £32.00

    Rejuvenated. Radiant. Energised. Our (glowy) little secret…? We wake up with Dawn Elixir! 100% natural, supercharged active oil blend, glow enhancing vitamins A, C & E, and antioxidants banish dullness, boost radiance, hydrate tired skin, and restore balance, whilst also… Read More

  6. SPF.
    The one product Tiff insists no-one should live without! We recommend using a physical sunscreen for ultimate protection. If you feel like by this point, you’re a bit too wet and over-layered, wait a few minutes before applying your SPF. Go have breakfast or brush your teeth to allow your previously applied products to really sink in and then apply your sun protection.
*Okay, we’re just going to go ahead and address the big debate that’s ‘should I apply moisturiser or oil first?’ Some say apply your oil before moisturiser so that it absorbs right into your skin before you slather on more hydration, others say apply it after to seal everything you’ve applied beneath it in (e.g. serums) and lock in that hydration. Our answer, there’s not actually one conclusive answer. It’s down to what works best for you. 

And that’s it. Seven simple steps for morning and evening. Still feeling little confused? Got any Q’s or need a little more information? Send us a direct message on Instagram, or email us at hello@sicentiabeauty.com and one of our team will get back to you.

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